Lake Mead

Lake Mead is a man-made lake that is in the states of Arizona and Nevada. When the Hoover Dam was built the Colorado River was blocked and began to form a lake. Lake Mead now stretches for 110 miles behind the dam and contains several "basins" connected by narrow stretches of water. These basins, in order from the dam extending to the far end of the lake, are named Boulder Basin, Virgin Basin, Temple Basin, and Gregg Basin.

Aqueducts carry the water from Lake Mead to cities in Southern California and Nevada. While this has been a constant supply of water for several decades, it is now drying up and causing concern for millions. Lake Mead is only holding 49 percent of its capacity. There are plans to pipe water to the reservoir in the future but predictions are that the water will dry up long before those plans are completed.

In 1948 a B-29 Superfortress bomber crashed into Lake Mead. It was performing experiments for the US government at the time. The B-29 is still resting on the bottom of the lake.

There are many things to do on, in, and around Lake Mead. Boating is probably the most popular activity. There are several places to rent out boats ranging from basic paddle boats to luxury house boats. With over 200 square miles of surface area, there is plenty of room to boat. If you want to swim be sure to have others with you and observe safe swimming habits. There are several species of fish in the lake, making fishing Lake Mead a wonderful hobby as well. Be sure to visit Hoover Dam if you love history!

Lake Mead is a beautiful place that has many activities to participate in. The area is rich in history and allows for visitors to experience the desert in a wonderful way.